Fassett's Locoweed (Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea)

Photo by Thomas Meyer, WDNR

Life history

Species overview

Fassett's Locoweed (Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea), a Wisconsin Endangered and Federal Threatened plant, is found in sandy, fluctuating lakeshores. Its appearance is sporadic depending on water level. Blooming occurs early May through late June; fruiting occurs late June through late July. The optimal identification period for this species is late May through late July.

State status

The table below provides information about the protected status -
state and federal - and the rank (S and G Ranks) for Fassett's Locoweed
(Oxytropis campestris var. chartacea). See the Working
List Key for more information about abbreviations. Counties shaded
blue have documented occurrences for this species in the Wisconsin
Natural Heritage Inventory database.
The map is provided as a general reference of where this species has
been found to date and is not meant as a range map.

Summary Information

State Status

END

Federal Status in Wisconsin

LT

State Rank

S1S2

Global Rank

G5T1T2

Tracked by NHI

Y

Habitats and landscapes

The Natural Heritage Inventory has developed scores indicating the degree to which each of Wisconsin's rare plant species is associated with a particular natural community or ecological landscape. This information is similar to that found in the Wildlife Action Plan for animals. As this is a work in progress, we welcome your suggestions and feedback.

General habitat information

Habitat description: Found in sandy, fluctuating lakeshores. Its appearance is sporadic depending on water level.

Soils: Sandy, rocky, and gravelly soils.

Natural communities

This table lists the natural communities that are associated with Fassett's Locoweed. Scores for natural community associations are: "significant" association (score=3), "moderate association" (score=2) or the species can be present but is only weakly associated with the community (score=1).

Species guidance

The Endangered Resources Program has developed avoidance measures and management guidelines for plants on the Natural Heritage Working List. These are a work in progress, and we welcome your suggestions and feedback. Sources used in developing this information can be found here.

Avoidance measures

These are specific actions designed to avoid "take" (mortality) of this species.

Avoid known individual plant locations and conduct operations elsewhere when they are least likely to cause damage. Ideally, this would involve frozen, snow-covered ground. However, in areas of the state where frozen conditions are unreliable, very dry soils late in the growing season might be the best available alternative. Consult with a biologist, if needed.

Avoid broadcast spraying of herbicides; use care with spot spraying.

Management guidance

Management guidelines are additional considerations that may help maintain or enhance habitat for this species

Minimize disturbance to hydrology, including soil disturbance from rutting.

Survey for and control invasive plants prior to conducting timber operations, as these can be spread by vehicles and often respond vigorously to increased light; see forestry BMPs for invasive species.